For a better experience, click the Compatibility Mode icon above to turn off Compatibility Mode, which is only for viewing older websites.

Professor David Cohen Offers Perspective on High-Profile Sexual Misconduct Allegations in Rolling Stone

Professor David S. Cohen

November 22, 2017

Swirling allegations of sexual misconduct offer a “unique moment in modern history,” yet President Trump has largely escaped scrutiny, Professor David S. Cohen wrote in an essay published in Rolling Stone on Nov. 17.

Reports that women have recently made against a growing roster of men in the entertainment, media and political spheres have suddenly gained widespread acceptance, Cohen said, citing claims against U.S. Senate candidate Roy Moore, U.S. Sen. Al Franken, comedian Louis C.K. and film executive Harvey Weinstein.

“America taking seriously the abuse of sexual power dynamics is a huge deal,” Cohen said. “But this moment will be incomplete without a thorough re-visiting of our president's history with women.”

Cohen observed that at least 16 women have accused Trump of harassment, assault or other abusive behavior.

“As a country, we didn't listen to those women last year. But in this current environment, people of all stripes are listening,” he wrote. “Amid this seemingly massive culture shift around sexual harassment, assault and abuse, the brave women who have come forward with allegations against Trump deserve to be trusted as well.”

Cohen, an authority on the constitution and gender issues in the law, writes frequently about those topics at Rolling Stone.